ANTI HBC TOTAL

Anti-HBc Total is a blood test that checks for antibodies against the core protein of the Hepatitis B virus.

It tells us whether a person has ever been exposed to the Hepatitis B virus (HBV).

🦠 What is HBc?

HBV has different parts (antigens):

• HBsAg → surface antigen

• HBcAg → core antigen (inside the virus)

Your body makes Anti-HBc antibodies when exposed to the virus itself.

👉 Important: The vaccine does NOT contain HBc, so vaccinated people do not develop Anti-HBc.

🔬 What “Total” Means

“Total Anti-HBc” includes:

• IgM Anti-HBc (recent/acute infection)

• IgG Anti-HBc (past infection)

So this test detects both past and current infection.

📊 Result Interpretation

🧪 Combined With Other Tests

Doctors interpret it together with:

📝 Key Points to Remember

• Anti-HBc positive = exposure to real virus

• Vaccine alone → Anti-HBc stays negative

• It does NOT tell immunity by itself